John McClain's Texans vs. Browns report card

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

John McClain grades the Texans' performances in Sunday's 29-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium.

Overall

The Texans forced three Baker Mayfield interceptions and coasted to a 23-0 halftime lead before winning 29-13. They increased their winning streak to nine games and elevated their record to 9-3. Grade: B

Quarterback

Deshaun Watson threw more than 24 passes for the first time since the Buffalo game. He completed 22 for 224 yards and a touchdown. Most important, he didn't throw an interception. Grade: B

DeAndre Hopkins caught seven passes for 91 yards. Tight end Jordan Thomas had an 11-yard touchdown reception. All three tight ends had catches. DeAndre Carter had six playing in the slot but for only 32 yards. Grade: B-minus

Offensive line

Once again, the run blocking was terrific, helping the Texans rush for 187 yards. They lost Kendall Lamm (concussion) and Zach Fulton (hand). Watson was sacked four times, but he held the ball too long on two. Grade: B

Defensive line

They spent a lot of time chasing Mayfield, but they didn't sack him. J.J. Watt recorded the only quarterback hit. They helped limit the Browns to 31 yards rushing but on only nine carries. Grade: C

Linebackers

Zach Cunningham returned an interception 38 yards for a touchdown. He also knocked down two passes. Benardrick McKinney recorded four tackles. Jadeveon Clowney had one tackle. Grade: C-plus

Defensive backs

Justin Reid was outstanding with one forced fumble, and he recovered an onside kick. Johnathan Joseph and Andre Hal had interceptions. Tyrann Mathieu and Aaron Colvin tied for the lead with six tackles each. Grade: B

Special teams

Ka'imi Fairbairn kicked five field goals, including a 53-yarder. Trevor Daniel punted three times and put all inside the 20, including one at the Browns' 6. Kickoff coverage was solid. Grade: B

Coaching

Bill O'Brien and his staff made sure their team was ready for the Browns and not looking ahead to the Colts. They came out in a frenzy and jumped to a 23-0 halftime lead on the way to a ninth consecutive victory. Grade: B-plus

John McClain, a Waco native who graduated from Baylor in 1975, is in his 43rd year at the Houston Chronicle and his 40th covering the National Football League, including the Oilers and Texans. He worked for the Waco Tribune Herald from 1973-76, when he accepted a job with the Chronicle. to cover the original Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association.

McClain has a plaque in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio as the 2006 winner of the Dick McCann Memorial Award presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America to a writer for his long and distinguished coverage of the NFL. He is past president of the Pro Football Writers of America.

He's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Seniors Committee and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

In 2015, he was named as a Gridiron Legend in Texas, becoming the third member of the media behind Dave Campbell and Mickey Herskowitz.

McClain can be heard six times a week on the Texans' flagship station Sports Radio 610 in Houston. He also does weekly sports talk shows in Nashville, Knoxville, Waco, Austin and San Antonio.

McClain also has appeared in eight movies: The Rookie, The Longest Yard, Spring Breakers, Secretariat, Invincible, Cook County, The Game Plan and Make It Rain.